Creative Labs MF8170 Creative Sound Blaster ROAR PRO User Manual updated 2
Creative Labs Inc Creative Sound Blaster ROAR PRO Users Manual updated 2
Contents
Users Manual updated 2
Discover more ways
to experience your
Sound Blaster Roar Pro!
http://soundblaster.com/roar-guides
Model No.: MF8171
1 2
Technical Specification Overview
Bluetooth
® Version:
Bluetooth
3.0
Operating Frequency: 2402 - 2480 MHz
Lithium Ion Battery: 6000mAh
USB Input: 5V 500 - 1000mA
DC Output: 5V 1000mA
Energy Saving Information
Power consumption
- Standby/Off : 0.2 W
- Networked Standby : 1.7 W (
Bluetooth
)
1.9 W (USB)
1.9 W (all network ports activated)
Power Management
- Power consumption < 0.5W after 28 hours inactivity when all network ports are deactivated /disconnected
- Networked standby after 20 minutes inactivity (
Bluetooth
, USB)
Activation & deactivation of wireless network port(s)
- To activate, perform
Bluetooth
device pairing
- To deactivate, disconnect from external device
Power Adapter Information
Brand: Creative
Model Number: GPE024W-150160-Z
Input: 100-240VAC 50/60Hz 0.75A
Output: 15VDC 1.6A
Operating Temperature range: 0ºC to 45ºC
Supported Bluetooth profiles*:
A2DP (Wireless Stereo
Bluetooth
), AVRCP (
Bluetooth
Remote Control), HFP
(Handsfree profile)
Supported Codec: SBC, aptX, AAC
Operating Range: Up to 10 meters, measured in open space.
Walls and structures may affect range of device.
Supports microSD cards of Class 4 and above, up to 32GB in FAT16/32 format
Supported audio formats: MP3, WMA and WAV (16 bit 48Khz PCM)
Support Mp3 and WMA up to 320kbps. Does not support WMA Pro / Lossless
Records audio, voice or mobile calls at 16k, ADPCM WAV format.
Note: Compliance markings are located on the bottom of this product.
* Refer to your
Bluetooth
device (notebook¹, PC¹, or mobile device²) manufacturer’s
documentation/website for supported profiles.
¹ Compatible with PC (Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1), Apple Macintoshes equipped with
Bluetooth
wireless stereo.
² Compatible with most major brands of
Bluetooth
A2DP enabled mobile phones.
Compatibility Disclaimer
Wireless performance is dependent on your device’s
Bluetooth
wireless technology. Refer to your
device manufacturer’s manual. Creative will not be liable for any lost of data or leakages resulting
from the use of these devices.
Product Registration
Registering your product ensures you receive the most appropriate service and product support
available. You can register your product during installation or at http://www.creative.com/register.
Please note that your warranty rights are not dependent on registration.
Safe Removal of Built-in Battery
Detailed instructions on removal of integrated battery can be found at creative.com/support/
ROARPRO, these instructions are meant strictly for independently qualified professionals.
1. NFC Receptor
2. Battery Indicator
3. Record Indicator
4. Power /
Bluetooth
® Status Indicator
5. Multifunction Button
6. Volume Up / Down Button
7. Button
8. Power ON / Standby Button
9. Microphone
10. DC Input
11. Aux-in / MegaStereo Feature
12. DC Out (USB 1.0A)
13. Micro USB Connector
14. MicroSD Slot
15. Mic On / Mute Switch
16. Record Button
17. (Record) Play / Pause Button
18. Random / Repeat All Switch
19. Previous Button
20. Next Button
21. (MP3 Playback) Play / Pause Button
22. Energetic, Neutral, Warm Profile
23. TeraBass Mode Button
24. USB Audio / Mass Storage mode switch
Top Rear
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Charging your speaker - USB PowerCharging your speaker - Power Adapter
Option 2 : USB
The Sound Blaster ROAR can also be charged using a
USB cable.
It may take longer to charge due to USB power limitation.
Switch off your speaker when charging.
The dual-purpose battery powers
your Sound Blaster Roar and also
charges your smartphone!
Here’s how you do it!
Simply connect a USB cable
to the Sound Blaster Roar’s
USB DC Out and the other
end to your smartphone.
Optimize your charging
l The speaker will charge your
smartphones even when the speaker
is off.
l When turned on, some smartphones
require a higher charging rate than
battery banks can typically provide.
For the quickest charging time,
turn off your smartphone before
charging it.
Option 1 : Power Adapter
Charge the speaker with the supplied power adapter for at least
3 hours before use. Please ensure your speaker is powered off
for optimised charging.*
* Battery performance may degrade over time depending on
charge cycles.
3 Hours
US, Japan & Taiwan
Assembling the Power Adapter Removing Adapter Plug Head
Europe - Supplied interchangeable plugs
may vary to region and country
TIP:
Lithium-ion battery life may suffer when it is constantly fully depleted or
overexerted at low voltage. It is a good practice to keep the battery well
charged.
For optimized charging: Creative recommends using the bundled USB
cable for optimized charging.
Mains
PC/Mac
* Not included, USB
adapter with DC 5V
and up to 1A output
rating can be used.
5 6
Power Saving
For better user connectivity experience, the Sound Blaster Roar will
now by default automatically enter power saving mode only after
approximately 28 hours of inactivity when the power adapter is attached
via a main outlet to the speaker. However, you have the option to keep
the power on permanently if needed.
To Disable Power saving mode with power adapter attached (For
keeping your speaker ON permanently):
1) Ensure that the speaker is powered ON and not connected to any
other devices.
2) Press the Power and Volume “+“ button together. The LED status
indicator will flash once to indicate power saving feature is disabled.
To Enable Power saving mode with power adapter attached:
1) Ensure that the speaker is powered ON and not connected to any
other devices.
2) Press the Power and Volume “-“ button together. The LED status
indicator will flash once to indicate power saving feature is enabled.
Note: The speaker automatically powers down when there is no
Bluetooth
connection, recording using microSD card, microSD card
playback or audio input for more than 15 minutes on battery mode. This
feature helps to protect the internal battery and cannot be disabled.
Whenever the speaker is ON and connected to a power source, the LED
status indicators will continually blink in sequence. To check the battery
capacity, power OFF the speaker or disconnect it from the power adapter.
Battery Status Indication
Battery full
Battery at about 70%
Battery low
Battery extremely low
Battery charging*
Slow Blink
Running LED
The Sound Blaster Roar
connects to
Bluetooth
devices with robust
high-quality aptX® and
AAC music streaming.
NFC technology makes
connecting even easier
– just tap and play!
Here’s how you do it!
1 A. One-touch pairing with NFC
2 Start playback on your
connected device.
OR
B. Manual
Bluetooth
pairing
(i) Press and hold until the
white LED blinks rapidly.
(ii) Select SB ROAR PRO on your
device.
Turn on NFC on your NFC-enabled
device and tap your device on the
NFC logo to connect.
To disconnect, tap your device on
the Sound Blaster Roar again.
B.
A.
Powered ON but not
connected to any
Bluetooth devices
Bluetooth Pairing
Mode, waiting for
device to connect
Connected to a
Bluetooth device
Green LED
stays lit
White LED
blinking rapidly
White LED
stays lit
LED Indication Status
Connecting your speakers -
Bluetooth
/ NFCCharging your speaker - LED Indications
The Sound Blaster Roar lets you stream music
wirelessly.
7 8
Creative
Bluetooth
Multipoint lets you pair 2 devices
to the Sound Blaster Roar.^
With Creative
Bluetooth
Multipoint, you can
connect up to two
Bluetooth
devices
simultaneously. Toggle
easily between your
phone and tablet, or
share music playback
from your phone or a
friend’s phone.
Here’s how you do it!
1 Pause playback on the
connected device.
2 Pair and connect a second
device.
3 Start playback on either
one of the connected
devices.
To toggle between devices
Pause playback on the first
connected device before
starting playback on the
second connected device.
Connecting your speakers - Understanding MultipointMultiple Audio Profiles
You can choose between THREE different audio
profiles to suit your preference or environment and
enhance your listening experience
Here’s how you do it!
Simply flick the slider switch
to your desired preference
and you are done!
Warm – Experience tube like warmth with richness in your
instruments and tones.
Neutral – Experience balanced audio from the original
Sound Blaster Roar classic that has thousands of reviews
all over the world.
Energetic – Inject energy and life for a more expansive and
dynamic feel.
Note : Creative Muitipoint is not available
when the iRoar mic is connected to the Sound
Blaster Roar Pro.
9 10
/ TeraBass button intelligently boost the bass
Like our in-house reference
systems, the Roar is tuned to
be accurate, balanced, and well
defined, while delivering full
spectral output at maximium
levels with minimal or no
compression. (NOT common
in many battery operated
portables). At low level listening
conditions, some people may
perceive audio differently. Be
it being less sensitive to bass
reproduction, in less than
ideal environments or strictly
personal preference. The
TeraBass feature intelligently
compensates the loss of
perceived loudness in bass
during low level playback
without artificially over
accentuating bass levels.
However when sheer audio
power is needed – such as large
parties and social gatherings
– the mode instantly
boost the loudness, depth and
spaciousness of the audio.
For added boost
Connecting the Sound
Blaster Roar to the power
adapter gives your music
added volume boost. It
is recommended to use
a power adapter when
using the feature.
Understanding TeraBass / feature
and loudness of your music.
Press during music playback.
Press the TeraBass button while your music
is playing and hear the difference!
Switching to USB Audio
You can play digital audio from your PC/Mac with the
Sound Blaster Roar.
Enhance music playback from your PC/Mac with the powerful
Sound Blaster Roar by connecting it with the USB cable supplied.
TeraBass
1 Slide the slider switch to USB Audio
to connect USB Audio mode.
2 Connect the Sound Blaster Roar to
a PC/Mac. A tone is heard indicating
USB audio is connected. *
3 Play your music on the PC/Mac.
Here’s how you do it!
If no audio is heard
For Windows:
Click Volume Control and select
Sound Blaster Roar Pro as your
output device.
For Mac:
1. Go to System Preferences and
click Sound.
2. Click the Output tab and select
Sound Blaster Roar Pro.
?
Enhance your audio
To enhance your digital music further,
you can use the Sound Blaster Control
Panel software. See next page.
* If no tone is heard, disconnect the
cable from the computer, and start
from Step 1 again.
Note: If the Sound Blaster Roar is not detected
by the computer after your computer recovers
from sleep / hibernate / restart, please
Power OFF and ON the Sound Blaster Roar
to re-establish the USB audio connection.
You may also need to restart your computer’s
media player.
l USB audio will disconnect if button
is pressed during USB audio mode.
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Installing the Sound Blaster Control Panel Playing MP3 / WMA audio files
The Sound Blaster Control Panel enhances PC/Mac
audio in real time.
Here’s how you do it!
Have complete control
over your PC/Mac audio
with the Sound Blaster
Control Panel software.
The SBX Pro Studio
technologies – such
as SBX Bass and SBX
Dialog Plus – intelligently
enhance PC/Mac audio in
real time.
1 Connect the Sound Blaster
Roar to a PC/Mac with a USB
cable.
2 Visit www.soundblaster.com/
downloads/ROARPRO/SBCP
to download and install the
Sound Blaster Control Panel. *
3 Setting the default audio
device.
a. For Windows
This setting will be
automatically configured
after Sound Blaster
Control Panel is installed.
b. For Mac
1. Go to System
Preferences and click
Sound.
2. Click the Output tab
and select Sound
Blaster Roar Pro.
* The Sound Blaster Control Panel
requires the speaker to be connected
to your computer as USB audio before
it can be installed.
Here’s how you do it!
1 Insert a microSD card.
microSD
Card
2 Press .
3 Navigate through tracks.
Besides streaming music
from your smart phone
wirelessly via
Bluetooth
,
the Sound Blaster Roar
can also play audio files on
a microSD card with the
built-in WMA/MP3 player.
Playback tips
l You can play WMA,
WAV or MP3 files.
l The Sound Blaster Roar
supports microSD or
microSDHC cards up to
32GB.
OR
To skip folders:
Press and hold or during playback.
Press or when playback is
stopped.
The Sound Blaster Roar doubles up as a microSD
card reader!
Your Sound Blaster Roar comes with a built-in
WMA/MP3 player.
To skip tracks (in Repeat All
mode):
Press or during playback.
Here’s how you do it!
1 Slide the slider switch to USB Mass Storage to
connect as USB Mass Storage mode.
2 Connect the speaker to a computer via USB cable.
3 Insert a microSD card.
4 Browse or modify microSD card contents on your
computer.
Note:
l To switch back to USB Audio mode, slide the slider switch to
USB Audio.
l Depending on your operating system, a pop-up message may
appear informing you that the Mass Storage Device has not
been ejected properly. This is normal and not disruptive to your
microSD card.
13 14
microSD Card
Recording is made really easy with the
Sound Blaster Roar.
If you need to record the
song playing on your
Sound Blaster Roar or
do a voice recording, just
insert a microSD card
and you’re ready to go.
Here’s how you do it!
1 Insert a microSD card.
2 Select source.
From built-in microphone
Switch on the microphone.
– Records voice and sounds
picked up by the microphone.
From Aux-in /
Bluetooth
source
Mute the microphone.
– Records Aux-in audio
directly from your media
player or
Bluetooth
device.
Recording
specifications
l Audio recording is
saved in WAV format
in the VOICE folder.
l For recording, a
Class 4 microSD card
is recommended.
l The default recording
sampling rate is at 16
kHz. This is designed
to record longer voice
recording sessions
(e.g. meetings) and
avoid large file sizes.
l Recording from
microphone also
records the audio
coming out from
Bluetooth
and Aux-in
audio sources.
l Simultaneous WMA /
MP3 audio playback
using microSD card
and audio recording
is not supported.
3 Press (REC) to start
recording.
Press (REC) again to
stop recording.
4 Press (REC) to playback
recordings.
To skip recorded tracks:
Press or during playback.
Recording audio with your speaker
When your phone is
connected to the Sound
Blaster Roar you can simply
answer calls without lifting
your phone – just press
a button!
Here’s how you do it!
1 Connect your smart device.
(Ensure the microphone is on)
2 Press to answer an
incoming call.
3 Press again to end a
call.
To reject a call:
Press and hold for more
than 2 seconds.
Recording calls
Press (REC) during
a call to start recording.
Ensure a microSD card is
inserted into the speaker and
the conversation will be saved
in the VOICE folder on the
microSD card.
You can use the Sound Blaster Roar as a
speakerphone.
Answering call with your speaker
15 16
The Sound Blaster Roar is the perfect companion to
end the day with.
Besides playing music at
loud volumes, the Sound
Blaster Roar can also
gently soothe you to sleep.
In Bedtime Mode, audio
playback from the microSD
card will gradually fade out
within 15 or 30 minutes,
after which the speaker will
power off automatically.
This is great for parents of
young children – you can
record yourself reading a
bedtime story and play it
back to your children as
they are about to sleep.
You can also use it to play
music before you sleep!
Here’s how you do it!
1 Insert a microSD card.
2 Start audio playback.
To play music files:
Press .
To play voice recordings:
Press (REC).
3 Activate Bedtime Mode.
For 15 minutes:
Press and hold (REC) until
you hear a beep.
For 30 minutes:
Press and hold (REC) until
you hear two beeps.
OR
To deactivate Bedtime Mode:
Press .
* Patent pending
Understanding Bedtime Mode*
Use the MegaStereo cable for
The MegaStereo technology is a unique feature built into the Sound Blaster Roar to
give you a wider soundstage and double the punch when 2 Sound Blaster Roar are
connected together with a MegaStereo cable.
A wider stereo experience*
1
Connecting to other audio devices
2
Having fun enslaving other speakers!^^
3
MASTER (LEFT) SLAVE (RIGHT)
May not work with audio devices using the OMTP standard.
MASTER (LEFT) SLAVE (RIGHT)
?
MegaStereo Feature
Enjoy the full MegaStereo experience with another Sound Blaster Roar!^
*Aux-in for both speakers are disabled when the MegaStereo cable is connected.
• For optimum sound performance, it is recommended to connect both speakers to their power adapters.
^ MegaStereo feature is only available on the Sound Blaster Roar and Roar Pro. For an updated list of
supported speakers please visit. www.creative.com/qr/megastereo
^^Audio may sound unbalanced due to difference in speaker matching.
How to use :
After establishing connection via the above diagram with the MegaStereo cable, ensure that the slave
(Right) unit is set to the maximum volume. Thereafter you may use the Master (Left) speaker to control
the volume for both speakers.
MegaStereo Cable sold separately.
Note : When connected via the MegaStereo Cable, the audio from the two connected Sound Blaster
Roars may sound unbalanced after running on battery for an extended period of time. This is due
to the difference in the battery levels between the two speakers. For optimum performance, it is
recommended to connect both speakers to their power adapters.
17 18
Perform the following trouble-shooting steps before sending it for servicing. For more
information, please refer to www.creative.com/support.
If there is no audio heard after connecting your phone or tablet with the Sound Blaster Roar via
Bluetooth........
It could be a case of your phone or tablet having a firmware bug that makes it unable to choose
the right audio codec. The Sound Blaster Roar can help enhance compatibility by disabling its
advanced audio codec and switching only to the basic codec*. However, we advise customers
facing this problem to update your phone / tablet with the latest firmware before attempting the
following steps below which may just solve this problem.
To bypass this bug (by disabling advanced audio codec)
1 Ensure that the speaker is Powered on
2 Press the Vol “-“and ROAR button together. (A voice prompt is heard indicating Advanced Codec
disabled). The speaker will reboot to remember your settings.
3 Power OFF and ON your audio device again
4 Connect to the Sound Blaster Roar via
Bluetooth
and play music
To restore advanced audio codec feature
1 Ensure that the speaker is Powered on
2 Press the Vol “+“and ROAR button together. (A voice prompt is heard indicating Advanced Codec
enabled). The speaker will reboot to remember your settings.
3 Power OFF and ON your audio device again
4 Connect to the Sound Blaster Roar via
Bluetooth
and play music
* You would only need to do this once and the Sound Blaster Roar will remember your preference.
How do I disable Voice Prompt?
l With the speaker powered ON, press both Volume “–“ and Multifunction Button at the same time.
A prompt is heard indicating voice prompt is disabled.
How do I enable Voice Prompt?
l On a speaker with disabled voice prompt, ensure that it is powered ON. Press both Volume “+“
and Multifunction Button at the same time. A prompt is heard indicating voice prompt is enabled.
What do I do if I find that the speaker is not behaving the way it should?
l Should any of the above happens, we would recommend that you master reset the speaker.
In any state, press and hold the Power button for more than 10 seconds then press the Power
button again to turn on the speaker.
Alternatively
You can perform a factory master reset to clear paired device list.
1 Ensure your speaker is not connected to any Bluetooth device.
2 With your speaker powered on, Press and hold the Multifunction button until the white LED
blinks rapidly. Press and hold the Multifunction button and Volume “-“ button until a voice
prompt is heard indicating the speaker has been master reset and returned to pairing mode.
Why do I hear beep tones when I disable voice prompts?
The beep tones are meant to be indicators for the following items:
FAQ
1 Beep tone
2 Beep tone
3 Beep tone
Feature activated indicator
Feature confirmation indicator
Error indicator
Next-Generation Personal P.A. System
(with optional iRoar Mic)
Transform the Sound Blaster Roar Pro into
the next generation portable wireless Public
Address (P.A.) System when paired with the
Wireless iRoar Mic*. The iRoar Mic delivers
clear and loud voice, which is great for power
presentations, public speaking, teaching,
storytelling or singing!
For more information about the iRoar Wireless Mic,
please see visit www.creative.com
Note : Creative Muitipoint is not available when the iRoar mic
is connected to the Sound Blaster Roar Pro.
* With optional iRoar Mic
*
creative.com
PN 03MF817100000 Rev A
For the latest, online version of this guide,
visit creative.com/support/ROARPRO
Supplementary documentation for this product includes:
DoC, safety and regulatory information, ErP Regulatory information, and other related regulatory
notices. For more details please visit creative.com/support/ROARPRO
Creative warrants that the accompanying product is free from material or workmanship defects for a period of 12 months
(non-transferable Creative Warranty period) from your purchase date. In the event of a genuine product failure, Creative
will assume repair or part replacement (new or refurbished) within the Creative Warranty period. However, this Creative
Warranty does not cover (but not limited to) normal wear and tear, abnormal usage, improper storage and handling,
unauthorised modications or repair, damages arising from an Act of God and theft. In the event of a genuine product
failure you must provide Creative with the product and proof of purchase of the product by a dated itemised receipt.
For the entire details on the Creative Warranty period of your product, Creative Warranty terms, product returns
and repair procedure, and Creative Customer Support services and contact information, you are advised to refer
to our website at www.creative.com. From here, select your country of residence and proceed to the Support
section. We also recommend you to register your product with us at www.creative.com/register to enjoy a host of additional
product benets that includes latest news and promotions. Note that your entitlement to the Creative Warranty is not
dependent on product registration.
Please note the Creative Warranty does not affect your statutory rights. Thank you.
The limited warranty for the Product is for twelve (12) months (for the European Union, twenty-four (24) months (excluding
all wear and tear), subject to certain exceptions as stated in the EU Directive 1999/44/EC**) from the date of Your purchase
(“Warranty Period”). The Warranty Period will be extended by each whole day that the Product is out of Your possession
for repair under this warranty.
**Only Applicable for European (EU) countries
A seller in the European Union (EU) may be entitled to refuse to repair or replace the goods if it is (i) impossible or (ii)
disproportionate (eg. where the costs are unreasonably high for the seller) to do so, taking into account the value the goods
would have had (if there were no lack of conformity), the signicance of the lack of conformity and where an alternative
remedy would be completed without signicant inconvenience to the consumer. In such cases, the consumer may ask
for an appropriate reduction of the price or have the contract rescinded. The consumer is not entitled to have the contract
rescinded if the lack of conformity (or defect or fault) is minor. In which case, the seller is entitled to turn down a request
for rescission of the contract in such a situation. For further details, please refer to Articles 3(3), 3(5) and 3(6) of the EU
Directive 1999/44/EC.
For Australia only:
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a
replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You
are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not
amount to a major failure. (Creative Technology Ltd, 31 International Business Park, #03-96, Creative Resource, Singapore
609921. Telephone: +65 6895 4433 (standard international call charges apply.)
Creative Limited Hardware Warranty (“Creative Warranty”)
© 2015 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. Creative, the Creative Logo, Sound Blaster, Sound Blaster Roar and SBX Pro Studio are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. The
Bluetooth
® word mark and logo are owned by the Bluetooth
SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Creative Technology Ltd is under license. aptX is a trademark of CSR plc. microSDHC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are hereby recognized as such. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual
product may differ slightly from images shown. Use of the product is subject to a limited warranty.